As a wrestling fan in the U.S., few names grab attention quite like David Taylor’s. The Magic Man remains one of the most decorated representatives of the Stars and Stripes on the mat, and his retirement announcement in April this year broke several hearts. However, all isn’t bleak, and Taylor was back in his natural habitat sooner than we thought!

The Penn State alum was ousted from the Race To Paris at the Olympic Team Trials. Soon, he took post at the Oklahoma State Cowboys, but not without his NLWC comrades showing their dissatisfaction over the matter. But Taylor seems to have his gaze elsewhere.

The OSU head coach entered the Non-Olympic Weight World Championships, scheduled to take place in Albania in October, in the 92kg bracket (the same class as Sadulaev). While the chance to see him back in action is scintillating, Taylor will have to lock horns with some prolific stars from around the world in order to compensate for his Olympic misfortune.

In September, Taylor subdued Zahid Valencia to book his spot in Team USA for the upcoming World Championships. But his quest isn’t over just yet! A recent post on X by FloWrestling from September 30 shared that the fearsome Russian star Abdulrashid Sadulaev might be en route to meeting Taylor in Tirana, Albania later this year. “Abdulrashid Sadulaev will wrestle off tomorrow for the 92 kg world team spot!” reads the caption of the post, and fans are, naturally, excited to see if these two Goliaths indeed end up crossing paths. But Sadulaev will also have to run for his money’s worth if he wishes to secure his spot in the national team.

The 28-year-old Russian will take on Alan Bagaev, the 2023 U23 world champ. But fans are already knee-deep into speculating what a matchup between Taylor and Sadulaev would look like. An NCHSAA state champion took to social media to express their eagerness to see these two heavyweights clashing. “My favorite wrestler, him vs Taylor is 2 giants colliding,” exclaimed the wrestling connoisseur. Soon, others came forward with their anticipating words as well.

David Taylor loyalists want to cash in their coupons

Like Taylor, Sadulaev also had an unprecedented glitch restricting him from defending his 2020 Olympic gold. Just days before the 33rd Games, the IOC banned several Russian and Belarusian wrestlers from entering the competition. However, the upcoming tournament could be a chance for both of these stars to showcase their skills on the mat. Considering the opportunity the 2024 World Championships presents, Francesco commented, “we need him vs taylor,” below the FloWrestling post.

“This is the biggest news possible in international wrestling,” claimed Christian Pyles, one of the top folks over at FloWrestling. Citing how the 92kg class is shaping up to be, Matt asked Pyles, “has there been a more top heavy bracket than that?” We wonder!

Another fan is convinced: the possibilities that such a bout offers could be greater than any of the action we saw even in Paris! Wrestling at the Paris Games was incredible, and the USA hauled seven medals at the tournament, with the women contingent leading the charge. But Jarrid thinks all that was achieved at the French capital would pale in front of what could happen between Taylor and Sadulaev, and commented, “Potential matchup of the year.”

David Basch called the announcement “HUGE International news today,” and we believe so as well! What do you think? Who would you root for should they meet on road to the world title? Drop by with a comment!